How to avoid teacher burnout; a little R & R!

How to avoid teacher burnout? Have some R & R! I hope everyone knows what R & R is. In this day and age of text talking and tons of acronyms, this is an oldie but goodie. It stands for “rest and relaxation.”

Here are 10 “R & R” Ideas for You!

About now, every teacher in America and even other countries are beginning to feel a little bit of burnout. So without further ado, I’m going to give you a few ideas for some time just for “YOU!”

1. Take your dog for a walk by yourself.

I know this doesn’t sound like “alone” time, but it is actually very relaxing to walk a dog. If you don’t have a dog, go on a stroll by yourself (just be sure to stay safe). Getting out into the fresh air and nature will do you wonders. As you are walking, notice the nature around you. If you live in the city, look at the trees and birds along your walk and head toward a park if possible. If you are a single parent, trade childcare with a friend or colleague for an hour and a half twice a week.

2. Call in “sick” for just a “ME” day!

I used to do this at least once a year throughout my career. Even when my three children were in school or childcare. I would have great sub plans ready (so I wouldn’t stress). Then I would drop all my children in their various locations (school or childcare). And I would go home to just gel and relax.

It’s very important when you do this that you don’t get tempted to do housework or lesson plans or grading papers or go shopping. The point is to relax. Some things you can do are: take a bubble bath, watch a funny or romantic movie (nothing dramatic or stressful), play one of those repetitive games on your phone, color in one of those adult coloring books, or just TAKE A NAP!!

3. Work on your lessons outside at the picnic table or at a coffee house.

Sometimes just the “switch-up” of doing a task in a different location relieves some of the stress that you often get when you work on school work in the regular manner. If you need to, take your children too, but make them bring an enjoyable book to read. Don’t have them bring homework if they will be interrupting you to get it done. It’s good for your children to experience “down-time” too.

You might want to take a look at these “101 Teacher Tips.”

**

4. Take a break from dinner prep.

Tell the family it is “fend for yourself” day. If your kids are small, most likely they can still get themselves cereal from the cupboard. Spend that newly found “time” to do something relaxing. Do you knit, journal, color, sew? Or even go on Pinterest for a pinning spree. Just don’t do school work.

Or spend some time reading a few of my motivational articles here

Why Did You Become a Teacher? What’s Your WHY?

Be a “Compass” For Your Students

5. Go to the movies with a friend or by yourself.

I know some people think it’s weird to go to the movies by yourself, but once you do it, you will see that it’s no big deal. After all, in movies, you’re not talking to anyone and the lights go out. The only uncomfortable part would be going in alone. I do it every once in a while and love it. It allows me to get absorbed into the movie without having to chat with anyone.

Part Two of “How to Avoid Teacher Burnout?”

6. Farm your kids off on a relative for a weekend evening.

Grandparents are wonderful; aren’t they? Ask one of them to give you an evening on the weekend to take a break. Just the quietness in the house when the kids are all gone will give you some relief. If you don’t have children, then this #6 item isn’t part of your R & R plan. You will be amazed at how quiet and relaxing it can be for the evening; no bedtimes, no baths, no questions, no arguments. Just one night will revive you and your partner.

7. Take a quick weekend trip.

Book a hotel room in a town an hour away and go for the weekend. Go with your kids (or not). Just getting the kids to another location will add some excitement and give you all a change of scene.

Just use caution that you don’t let this trip become TONS of extra work for you. Make the kids pack their own suitcase. If they forget something, it’s a lesson learned. Pack some easy food items for some meals plus snacks so you aren’t having to spend a lot of money at restaurants.

And then go explore the town. Ask some locals what is fun to do and see that would be free or inexpensive. Even playing at a new park is fun for kids.

8. Visit a nearby city or town on Saturday.

If you live in a huge city, migrate out to the suburbs to get out of the hustle and bustle. If you live in a small town, take a journey to a big city to go to a museum or event. Just a quick day trip to a new environment to walk around and explore is a fun treat to get your mind off school for a day. Doing something as simple as this will help you avoid teacher burnout.

9. Go to a National or State Park.

Again, getting out into nature is good for you! It rejuvenates you! If you enjoy walking, hike one of the trails. If you like history, find a national park close by that has a visitor’s center with historical displays and movies. Often for the price of park entry, you can have an entire day’s worth of new experiences.

Pack a picnic lunch to save money. My mom used to pack tons of sandwiches, grapes, chips, and cookies with just water, and my kids thought it was the greatest thing. We would go to the Park or Monument near her home and it was an adventure.

10. Treat yourself to a spa day.

Now, I have to admit that I have never done this before. But I’ve heard that it’s wonderful. Spending a few hours away at a local spa while your kids stay home with their dad or a neighbor can melt away the tension. The only negative aspect of this idea is that it can be expensive. It would be a good idea for a gift if anyone asks what you want for your birthday. Since I’ve never been, I don’t have any specific suggestions about this one, so enjoy!

So now you have some quick, easy, and mostly inexpensive ideas for a way to avoid teacher burnout. Now take action.

By the way, I need to include here my Free Downloadable list of 101 Tips for Teachers just in case you are interested. Just complete this and submit and I will send it right to you.

**

Until Next Time,

Your Teacher Buddy